Job 38:41
Job 38:41 in Multiple Translations
Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God as they wander about for lack of food?
Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.
Who provideth for the raven his prey, When his young ones cry unto God, And wander for lack of food?
Who gives in the evening the meat he is searching for, when his young ones are crying to God; when the young lions with loud noise go wandering after their food?
Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God, weak from starvation?”
Who doth prepare for a raven his provision, When his young ones cry unto God? They wander without food.
Who provides for the raven his prey, when his young ones cry to God, and wander for lack of food?
Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry to God, they wander for want of food.
Who provideth food for the raven, when her young ones cry to God, wandering about, because they have no meat?
Who provides dead animals for crows, when the baby crows are calling out to me for food, when they are so weak because of their lack of food that they ◄stagger around/can hardly stand up► in their nests?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 38:41
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 38:41 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ֤י
יָכִ֥ין
לָ/עֹרֵ֗ב
צֵ֫יד֥/וֹ
כִּֽי
ילד/ו
יְ֭לָדָי/ו
אֶל
אֵ֣ל
יְשַׁוֵּ֑עוּ
יִ֝תְע֗וּ
לִ/בְלִי
אֹֽכֶל
מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יָכִ֥ין
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
לָ/עֹרֵ֗ב
ʻôrêb
H6158
raven
Prep | N-ms
צֵ֫יד֥/וֹ
tsayid
H6718
wild game
N-ms | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
ילד/ו
yeled
H3206
youth
N-ms | Suff
יְ֭לָדָי/ו
yeled
H3206
youth
N-mp | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֵ֣ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
יְשַׁוֵּ֑עוּ
shâvaʻ
H7768
to cry
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
יִ֝תְע֗וּ
tâʻâh
H8582
to go astray
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לִ/בְלִי
bᵉlîy
H1097
without
Prep | Part
אֹֽכֶל
ʼôkel
H400
food
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 38:41
מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יָכִ֥ין
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
לָ/עֹרֵ֗ב
ʻôrêb
H6158
"raven"
Prep | N-ms
A raven is a dark-colored bird, first mentioned in the Bible as the bird Noah released from the ark in Genesis 8:7. The word is used to describe its dusky hue. It is a symbol of God's care in the Bible.
Definition: raven
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: raven. See also: Genesis 8:7; Job 38:41; Psalms 147:9.
צֵ֫יד֥/וֹ
tsayid
H6718
"wild game"
N-ms | Suff
This word describes the food or provisions needed for a journey, often obtained through hunting. It can also refer to the act of hunting itself. In the KJV, it is translated as 'food', 'hunter', or 'venison'.
Definition: 1) hunting, game 1a) hunting 1b) game hunted
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] catcheth, food, [idiom] hunter, (that which he took in) hunting, venison, victuals. See also: Genesis 10:9; Genesis 27:31; Psalms 132:15.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
ילד/ו
yeled
H3206
"youth"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.
Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.
יְ֭לָדָי/ו
yeled
H3206
"youth"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.
Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֵ֣ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
יְשַׁוֵּ֑עוּ
shâvaʻ
H7768
"to cry"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To cry out in the original Hebrew means to shout for help or freedom from trouble. This verb is used to describe calling out for assistance in times of need.
Definition: (Piel) to cry out (for help), shout
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: cry (aloud, out), shout. See also: Job 19:7; Psalms 22:25; Psalms 18:7.
יִ֝תְע֗וּ
tâʻâh
H8582
"to go astray"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to go astray or wander, and can be used physically or morally. It can also mean to cause someone to err or stumble.
Definition: 1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger 1a) (Qal) to err 1a1) to wander about (physically) 1a2) of intoxication 1a3) of sin (ethically) 1a4) wandering (of the mind) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard) 1b2) to be led astray (ethically) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander 1c1) to cause to wander about (physically) 1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication) 1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way. See also: Genesis 20:13; Isaiah 9:15; Psalms 58:4.
לִ/בְלִי
bᵉlîy
H1097
"without"
Prep | Part
This word means without or nothing, often used for negation. It appears in various forms, such as without or not yet, in the Old Testament.
Definition: subst 1) wearing out adv of negation 2) without, no, not
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: corruption, ig(norantly), for lack of, where no...is, so that no, none, not, un(awares), without. See also: Genesis 31:20; Job 38:41; Psalms 19:4.
אֹֽכֶל
ʼôkel
H400
"food"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to food or a meal, including cereal, meat, and other supplies. It is used in stories about everyday life, like eating and sharing meals.
Definition: 1) food 1a) cereal 1b) meat 2) food supply 3) meal, dinner
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: eating, food, meal(-time), meat, prey, victuals. See also: Genesis 14:11; Deuteronomy 2:28; Psalms 78:18.
Study Notes — Job 38:41
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 38:41 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 38:41
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:41
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:41
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:41
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:41
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:41
- Cambridge Bible on Job 38:41
- Barnes' Notes on Job 38:41
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:41
- Sermons on Job 38:41
Context — The LORD Challenges Job
39Can you hunt the prey for a lioness or satisfy the hunger of young lions
40when they crouch in their dens and lie in wait in the thicket?
41Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God as they wander about for lack of food?
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 12:24 | Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storehouse or barn; yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds! |
| 2 | Matthew 6:26 | Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? |
| 3 | Psalms 147:9 | He provides food for the animals, and for the young ravens when they call. |
| 4 | Psalms 104:27–28 | All creatures look to You to give them their food in due season. When You give it to them, they gather it up; when You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good things. |
Job 38:41 Summary
[This verse reminds us that God cares for all creatures, even the ravens, and provides for their needs. Just as the young ravens cry out to God for food, we can trust that God will provide for us in our times of need, as seen in Psalm 23:1, where God is our Shepherd and provides for us. God's care for the ravens is a reminder of His sovereign control over the natural world, as seen in Job 37:14-18. We can trust that God will provide for us, just as He provides for the ravens, and look to Him for our daily needs, as taught in Matthew 6:26.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of God asking Job about providing food for the raven?
This question highlights God's providence and care for all creation, as seen in Psalm 104:27-28, where God gives food to all creatures, and in Matthew 6:26, where Jesus teaches that God feeds the birds of the air.
Why does the verse mention the young ravens crying out to God?
This phrase emphasizes the instinctual trust that even animals have in God's provision, as seen in Psalm 145:15-16, where all creatures look to God for their food, and in Luke 12:24, where Jesus teaches that God feeds the ravens.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty over the natural world?
This verse demonstrates God's control over the natural world, as seen in Job 37:14-18, where God's power is displayed in the weather, and in Romans 11:36, where all things are from God and through Him and to Him.
What can we learn from God's question about providing food for the raven?
We can learn to trust in God's provision and care for us, just as the ravens trust Him, as seen in Philippians 4:19, where God supplies all our needs, and in Jeremiah 33:3, where God promises to provide for those who call to Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God provide for me in times of need, just as He provides for the ravens?
- How can I develop a deeper trust in God's care and provision for my life, just as the young ravens trust Him?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to remember that God is sovereign and in control, just as He is over the natural world?
- How can I apply the lesson of God's provision for the ravens to my own circumstances and challenges?
Gill's Exposition on Job 38:41
Who provideth for the raven his food?.... Not man, but God; he feeds the ravens, creatures very voracious, mean, and useless, Lu 12:24; when his young ones cry unto God; cry for want of food; which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 38:41
Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat. (Luke 12:24.) Transition from the noble lioness to the croaking raven.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 38:41
Having mentioned the noblest of brute creatures, he now mentions one of the most contemptible and loathsome, to show the care of God’ s providence over all creatures, both great and small; which is more remarkable in ravens, because, 1. They devour flesh, which it is not easy for them to find. 2. They are greedy, and eat very much. 3. They are generally neglected and forsaken by mankind. 4. Their young ones are so soon forsaken by their dams, that if God did not provide for them in a more than ordinary manner, they would be starved to death.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 38:41
Job 38:41 Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.Ver. 41. Who provideth for the raven his food?] Though the raven be a most vile creature, and hated almost of all: in some places there is a reward appointed for those that shall kill them up. Though an unclean creature, and therefore abominable, Leviticus 11:13; Leviticus 11:15. Though unmerciful to her own, and pitiless to other birds, though an inauspicate creature, a sign both of man’ s punishment and God’ s curse, Isaiah 34:11. Though he crieth with a hoarse and harsh voice (whence also he hath derived the origin of his name), and so unfit to move pity; yet God provideth food for him. What then will he do for his faithful servants? Matthew 6:26, where our Saviour fetcheth not an example from the Israelites miraculously fed in the wilderness, or Elijah in the desert, but from fowls of the air; and among them, not from eagles, hawks, nightingales, but ravens, &c. "Consider the ravens," Luke 12:24, Corvus incubat 20 diebus, et pullos nido expellit (Plin. Arist.). When his young ones cry to God] Though by implication only they cry, and not directly: being forsaken by the old ones, and left bare, they are fed by God with flies and worms bred in the nest out of their excrements; till, able to fly, and leave the nest, they wander for lack of meat to take it wherever they can meet with it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 38:41
(41) They wander for lack of meat.—The second clause is not a direct statement, but is dependent on the previous one; thus: “When his young ones cry unto God, when they wander for lack of meat.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 38:41
Verse 41. Who provideth for the raven] This bird is chosen, perhaps, for his voracious appetite, and general hunger for prey, beyond most other fowls. He makes a continual cry, and the cry is that of hunger. He dares not frequent the habitations of men, as he is considered a bird of ill omen, and hated by all. This verse is finely paraphrased by Dr. YOUNG: - "Fond man! the vision of a moment made! Dream of a dream, and shadow of a shade! What worlds hast thou produced, what creatures framed, What insects cherish'd, that thy God is blamed? When pain'd with hunger, the wild raven's brood Calls upon God, importunate for food, Who hears their cry ? Who grants their hoarse request, And stills the glamours of the craving nest?" On which he has this note: - "The reason given why the raven is particularly mentioned as the care of Providence is, because by her clamorous and importunate voice she particularly seems always calling upon it; thence κορασσω, ακοραξ, is to ask earnestly. - AElian. lib. ii., c. 48.
And since there were ravens on the banks of the Nile, more clamorous than the rest of that species, those probably are meant in this place." THE commencement of Cicero's oration against Catiline, to which I have referred on Job 38:3, is the following: - Quousque tandem abutere, Catilina, patientia nostra? Quamdiu etiam furor iste tuus nos eludet? Quem ad finem sese effrenata jactabit audacia? Nihilne te nocturnum praesidium palatii-nihil urbis vigiliae, - nihil timor popuii, - nihii concursus bonorum omnium, - nihil hic munitissimus habendi senatus locus-nihil horum ora, vultusque moverunt? Patere tua consilia nan sentis? Constrictam jam omnium horum conscientia teneri conjurationem tuam non vides? Quid proxima, quid superiore nocte egeris,-ubi fueris, quos convocaveris, - quid consilii ceperis, quem nostrum ignorare arbitraris? O tempora! O mores! Senatus haec intelligit, - consul videt; hic tamen vivit!
Vivit? immo vero eitam in senatum venit; fit publici consilii particeps; notat et designat oculis ad caedem unumquemque nostrum! Nos autem, viri fortes, satisfacere reipublicae videmur, si istius furorem ac tela vitemus! "How long wilt thou, O Catiline, abuse our patience? How long shall thy madness out-brave our justice? To what extremities art thou resolved to push thy unbridled insolence of guilt? Canst thou behold the nocturnal arms that watch the palatium, - the guards of the city, - the consternation of the citizens, - all the wise and worthy clustering into consultation, - the impregnable situation of the seat of the senate, - and the reproachful looks of the fathers of Rome? Canst thou behold all this, and yet remain undaunted and unabashed? Art thou insensible that thy measures are detected? Art thou insensible that this senate, now thoroughly informed, comprehend the whole extent of thy guilt? Show me the senator ignorant of thy practices during the last and preceding night, of the place where you met, the company you summoned, and the crime you concerted.
Cambridge Bible on Job 38:41
41. The raven. The question extends to the end of the verse, Who provideth for the raven his food, When his young ones cry unto God, And wander without meat? The raven is one of the commonest birds in Palestine; by its incessant croaking it presses itself upon the attention, and is often alluded to in Scripture. The cry of its young is an appeal unto God (Joe 1:20), and the feeding of it is proof of His universal providence, which does not overlook even the least of His creatures (Psalms 147:9, Luke 12:24). The lion and the raven are here associated perhaps by way of contrast, the one being the most powerful and the other one of the least of God’s creatures. Their natures too are most dissimilar,—the silent, subtle, self-reliance of the one, couching patiently in his lair, and the clamorous outcry and appeal of the other, wandering over the land in search of food. The raven, of course, is a general name, covering the whole Crow tribe.
Barnes' Notes on Job 38:41
Who provideth for the raven his food? - The same thought is expressed in Psalms 147:9, He giveth to the beast his food, And to the young ravens which cry. Compare Matthew 6:26.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 38:41
41. They wander for lack of meat — Better, (and) wander without food. The question includes the whole verse. “Of the raven,” says Dr. Tristram, (Natural History,) “there are eight species found in Palestine.
Sermons on Job 38:41
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Hungering by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of hungering and thirsting after righteousness, emphasizing the need for believers to cry out to the Lord in times of trouble, kn |
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Blessed Are They Who Consider by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his personal struggle with leaving his job and following God's calling. He shares how God spoke to him through the sight of four birds peck |
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Week of Meetings 06 Privileges His Children by John W. Bramhall | In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of Hudson Taylor, a missionary in China, who faced a difficult situation when there was no flour left for the animals. Despite the cha |
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The Undeniable Reality of God's Provision by George Mueller | George Mueller shares the undeniable reality of God's provision through a miraculous event at his orphanage, where he and Dr. A. T. Pierson prayed for breakfast despite having noth |
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God's Faithfulness in Providing by George Mueller | George Mueller shares powerful testimonies of God's faithfulness in providing for orphans through prayer, illustrating how God tested his faith but always came through at the right |
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Will He Deny You a Crust? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the assurance of God's provision for His people, arguing that if God did not spare His own Son, He will certainly not deny us our basic needs. He reassures |
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Will You Not Trust Him for a Crumb? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of trusting God for even the smallest needs, arguing that if God has given us great gifts like salvation and His Son, we should have faith t |